Conflicting vet advice on pet ear surgery: MRI, X-ray, survival?

Question

I just want a second opinion about a histopath report. The report says that you should do a radiograph and my vet says I should do an MRI and my vet says if I have surgery for her ear canal removal that she'll live another two to three years but the report says one year that's why I want a second opinion or third or fourth. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 6 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. I am so sorry for your worries with Pearl. A radiograph is a good way to evaluate involvement with the bulla, the bony part of the inner ear, & to evaluate for lysis, the destruction of the bony structures. Computerized tomography (CT) & magnetic resonance (MRI) are better than skull radiographs for determining the extent of the tumor's involvement. Median survival is the point where 50% of the patients with a condition are still alive. This also means that 50% of the patients may live longer. A lot longer. Your veterinarian may be more optimistic, because the pathologist is just reporting on published statistics. Your veterinarian knows more about Pearl's health & may feel that she has a much better chance of surviving longer than the median year reported. I would discuss this with your veterinarian & ask why he thinks Pearl may do well for 2-3 years longer. I hope this helps & all the best to Pearl. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Conflicting vet advice on pet ear surgery: MRI, X-ray, survival?

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